To those who know me, it's no secret that I've struggled with self esteem and my weight my whole life. Those who know me well/are my Facebook friends know that for the last 5 years, I've been on a journey to really lose the weight and get healthy. Many know that my move to California and the Biggest Loser were major vehicles for making this goal happen.
My first week in San Diego, 2009, I was in my parents' temporary apartment looking for something to watch on TV. The Lord had already been working on me that this was going to be the season of change, that with His help, I was going to finally lose the weight. I decided to check out the show Biggest Loser, in its 8th season. I was immediately drawn to it, inspired by the stories and relating in different ways to people on the show. A gym membership, supportive parents, time on my hands, and Biggest Loser set up the beginning of my journey. I've been at it for 5 years now, with its victories, downs, plateaus, and backslides, but remained hopeful and determined.
Season 8 of Biggest Loser had one contestant, Danny Cahill, that I rooted for all season. I know it's TV, but I could tell he was a man of good character and integrity, plus a musician and man of God. I was so excited when he won!
Because I'm Alison, I followed him on Facebook, and then one day in November 2014, I saw something that got me so excited! Danny was hosting a 30 Day Challenge in December! He formed a support group and was offering to coach 16 people on their journey through nutrition, fitness, and weekly conference calls. After some prayerful consideration, I jumped at it! And so began a Simply Lose It FED UP Challenge! In December of all times!
One of the things thats had me from the beginning is that here's this celebrity calling ME, coaching ME! Not only does he have status as the Biggest Biggest Loser, he has done it. He's learned from some of the best in the world and knows what it takes! That has helped the process for sure!
The first week took a lot of work, planning, and money. When I lost 5 pounds that first week, I knew it was worth it! Before, doing other programs, I've lost 2-3 on a good week.
I normally am a sequential storyteller, but I think this is better to be described in themes, what I've learned through this process.
Planning and Structure
Danny's Simply Lose It Meal Plan consists of well-balanced meals with portions based on our current weight. I have taken his meal plan and I compose a weekly chart, so I know exactly what I'm eating all week. I then do my grocery shopping, and make what meals ahead of time that I can. I may make a pound of turkey burgers, grill some chicken breasts, boil some eggs. I was already doing some meal prep, but this ups it significantly. While some might think this restrictive, it has been freeing for me. I have a plan. It takes having to think out of it. By having yummy food ready, I can say no to temptations like Moes on the way home, because the foods ready and waiting! I would say this has been the biggest key to my success.I eat a ton!
I've been amazed by the amount of food I get to eat. It goes to show that its not just counting calories, but the KINDS of calories. Example: I was eating a hard boiled egg for breakfast. Healthy, protein, awesome start. But I found that I was starving by 10 am! On this plan, I can have egg and muffin and fruit OR oatmeal AND yogurt! It's quite satisfying.
Lifestyle
I've long said I don't want a diet, I want a lifestyle. So far, this has proven to be a lifestyle. I enjoy the foods I'm eating They are REAL foods. I can eat out well on this food! I don't like being one of those people who makes her eating habits burdens for other people. I can choose well while waiting out! lost weight eating in New York City for 6 days!
Things I don't miss
Whether by cheating or substituting, I've discovered there are certain foods I don't miss: regular french fries (I prefer sweet potato fries), burger buns, average delivery pizza (real NY pizza is a different story), and most dinner bread!
Self control
Before the Challenge, when I wasn't seeing the results I wanted, my Personal Trainer who I love dearly asked me, "How bad do you want it?" That frustrated the dickens out of me! I want it more than pretty much anything! But as I'v changed my behaviors through this Challenge, I've realized I have more self control than I thought. I've realized that this is what its like to put my money where my mouth is in terms of wanting it. One of the things I've been telling myself lately is, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
Food addiction is like alcoholism or any other addiction. Some people can be around it without temptation, some need no exposure whatsoever. For me, I am discovering that there are certain times when I need to eat none of something because I won't stop (like Mexican chips) and some foods I can eat a little of and be good. God really wanted me to learn about my own self control.
I stress that I"m learning, definitely not mastered.
The weight of the food
Between a foot injury and the busyness of December, I wouldn't say my fitness increased dramatically during the Challenge. That means that the majority of the results really are the nutrition! Danny says, "You can't outrun a bad diet."
Personality and Community
My trainer and I have talked about the roots of the successes here, especially because many of the components are things she's been telling me since January of last year. I am an extrovert, so having a group doing this with is huge. We have become quite a community and I love reading their posts and sharing mine. I love getting to personally talk to them and especially Danny on a weekly basis.
I am also thankful to have an amazing fitness community at home. Spearheaded by my trainer, pushing me and holding me accountable, I have an awesome fitness class. They not only make fitness fun, but also provide built in structure I need!
Affirmations
One of my primary love languages is words of affirmation. The reception I've received to my journey has been incredible, and has really kept me going. From people telling me how good I look to my parents asking where the rest of me is when they haven't seen me in 6 months. I've had friends notice who saw me only weeks ago and friends who saw me a decade ago! With my self esteem issues and the fact that I'm looking at myself every day, these words mean more to me than I can express. But it's not just how I look. My sister observed how "the unstable one" was remaining stable on a ferry. My best friend who knows my journey and has watched me VERY carefully over the last 8 years, noticed how well I navigated over a baby gate. Yes, I"m losing weight, but going on a year and a half of Pilates and Weight Training, my overall balance, stability, and strength is improving significantly, which is huge for my body, considering I had a prenatal stroke and have a weaker left side.
Going Forward...
The Challenge officially ends today, but I'm not done. This is a lifestyle, and I still have a goal weight to reach. Danny is graciously counting for another month with those of us wishing to continue. I'm no ready to be let loose! Looking ahead!
"You don't need a reality show to change your life. You need to change your mind."
"The physical manifestation happened long after the decision not to quit."
Thank you, Danny Cahill.
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